A1+ is open for many of us”
It is already eight years A1+ is off the air. Despite the numerous exhortations of local and international organizations, the TV Company has had no opportunity to return to the air.
Human rights advocate Vardan Harutyunyan comments on the fate of the embattled TV Company.
After the power change of 1998, Robert Kocharian sought to control both political and social spheres. First of all, he focused on the sphere of information. But when he saw that his endeavourers were a failure he resorted to force and closed down A1+ to show the world that he was the "master" in Armenia. Thus, he established dictatorship - the one he imagined - and he did it by force, by pressure and deception.
With the closure of A1+ he restricted our right to speech. We laughed on April 1 and lost freedom of speech on April 2. I don't mean that we cannot speak freely today. I mean that A1+'s closure had its impact on our rights and freedoms.
Nevertheless, during these eight years A1+ was with us with its website, newspaper and active journalists. The 21st century has proved that no matter how much the authorities dream of a closure of independent company they cannot completely silence it. It was possible in the 18th and 19th centuries but not in the 21st. We live in a different epoch today. Let's recall the events of March 1, 2008, when information "traveled" across the country and outside its boundaries despite the state of emergency and numerous restrictions.
Do you think that the closure of A1+ was politically motivated?
Surely, it was a political issue which implied desolation of the socio-political sphere. Secondly, it had some personal motives. How could a small TV company dare to smear the country's head? They think once they are an authority they must be praised and honoured and if you dare to criticize them they will "settle accounts with you". If we lived in different times they wouldn't be sufficed with closure, I think they could even execute or punish.
What political consequences did the company's closure provoke?
Any political organization, especially if it represents opposition and seeks power through an election, must rely on a free TV company as a mighty weapon. Realizing it the authorities pose new obstacles as the political sphere is becoming more and more colourful, political figures get closer to public and easily present their ideas. In this context, the political sphere loses a vital weapon of its arsenal - reliable TV company.
Does our society need free press?
Of course, each society needs unbiased and verified information. Everyone wants to know the latest events and developments from a free and fair TV company. It is quite natural and logical.
When will the restriction on freedom of speech be finally lifted in Armenia?
When our society becomes free. We are already leading in that direction.
Is it possible in the future?
Once I thought it was impossible but now I am of a different opinion. I think that the issue will be settled in the nearest future.
Do you mean to say that A1+ will be reopened this year?
I think it will. Today A1+ is open for its numerous readers and I do believe that one day A1+ will reopen for the whole public.
